News 06:00

BULLETIN 29 February 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Pravin Gordhan appoints Michelle Phillips as the new Transnet CEO
# Eight candidates are shortlisted for the Deputy Public Protector position
# And netball, the new Proteas coach wants to win the World Cup

# Public Enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan has appointed Michelle Phillips as Transnet’s new CEO. Phillips, who has more than 20 years’ experience working at the state-owned entity, was currently the acting CEO after several high-level resignations last year. Gordhan has also appointed Nosipho Maphumulo as Transnet’s chief financial officer. The department’s spokesperson, Ellis Mnyandu, says the minister is confident that these appointments will provide the entity with the strategic direction, and the ability to execute its ongoing reforms:

# National police commissioner Fannie Masemola says urgent steps are being taken to prioritise the safety of South African Police Service personnel at the head office in Pretoria. This is in response to a prohibition notice at SAPS’ Telkom Towers after personnel were instructed to vacate due to identified deficiencies. This proactive measure ensures business continuity as support divisions relocate to alternative premises. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says they are actively working with the Department of Public Works for the necessary repairs:

# Parliament’s portfolio committee on Justice and Correctional Services shortlisted eight candidates for the position of Deputy Public Protector after receiving 46 applications. The interviews are set for March 12 and at least 50-percent of interviewees must be female. The person, appointed by the president on the National Assembly’s recommendation, serves for a term of up to seven years, renewable once. Requirements include ten years of legal experience. The position became vacant when Kholeka Gcaleka was appointed Public Protector in November.

# Prince Harry has lost a court challenge against the British government’s decision to take away his taxpayer-funded police protection when he is in the United Kingdom. In February 2020, the Home Office decided that the Duke of Sussex would receive less protection, as he is no longer a working member of the royal family. Harry’s lawyers argued the decision meant he was being singled out and treated less favourably. He will appeal the ruling.

# Netball: Newly appointed Proteas head coach, Jenny van Dyk, says her objective is to continue building a winning team. She has been given a four-year contract and will lead the team to the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Former Proteas captain and Maties coach Zanele Mdodana will assist Van Dyk. Her first assignment is to assemble a group of 30 players and finalise the national team. Van Dyk says her dream is to win a World Cup:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-24-cents and the euro at 20-rand-85-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-38-cents and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-386-dollars-17-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-36-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-7-cents a barrel.

# And finally, a survey by Flight Centre Travel Group finds 63-percent of South Africans travel abroad seeking love.  New Zealanders rank second at 59-percent. Flight Centre’s local managing director, Euan McNeil, suggests South Africans’ adventurous spirit and openness contribute to this trend. He highlights the diverse global cultures and landscapes as ideal settings for forging meaningful connections.

Stay tuned for more news………….